Warning Signs of High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia) You Shouldn't Ignore

02 Sep 2025

Warning Signs of High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia) You Shouldn't Ignore High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, occurs when there's too much glucose in the...

Warning Signs of High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia) You Shouldn't Ignore

High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, occurs when there's too much glucose in the blood. This condition is most often associated with diabetes, but it can also occur in people without a diagnosed diabetic condition due to stress, illness, or certain medications. Recognizing the warning signs of high blood sugar is crucial for timely intervention and preventing potentially severe health complications. This article will detail the key indicators of hyperglycemia, explaining why they manifest and what steps you should take if you experience them.

Why High Blood Sugar Matters

Chronically high blood sugar can lead to a range of serious health problems, including:

  • Heart disease: Elevated glucose levels can damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart attacks.
  • Nerve damage (Neuropathy): High blood sugar can affect nerve function, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in the extremities.
  • Kidney damage (Nephropathy): The kidneys can become overworked trying to filter excess glucose, leading to chronic kidney disease.
  • Eye damage (Retinopathy): High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to vision loss or blindness.
  • Foot problems: Poor circulation and nerve damage can increase the risk of foot ulcers and infections, potentially leading to amputation.

Therefore, early detection and management of hyperglycemia are essential for protecting your long-term health.

Common Warning Signs of Hyperglycemia

Several symptoms can indicate that your blood sugar levels are consistently too high. While experiencing one symptom occasionally might not be a cause for alarm, the persistence or combination of several signs warrants medical attention.

  1. Related reading: Steps To Better Control Of Blood Glucose Levels With Your Diabetic Diet

    Frequent Urination (Polyuria)

    • Why it happens: When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys try to filter out the excess glucose. This process requires more water, leading to increased urine production.
    • Example: Waking up multiple times during the night to urinate or feeling a constant urge to go to the bathroom even when your bladder isn’t full.
    • Action: Monitor how often you're urinating, especially at night.

  2. Increased Thirst (Polydipsia)

    • Why it happens: Frequent urination leads to dehydration, triggering a strong feeling of thirst as the body tries to replenish lost fluids.
    • Example: Feeling incredibly thirsty even after drinking a normal amount of water or finding that you're drinking sugary drinks to quench your thirst (which exacerbates the problem).
    • Action: Pay attention to how much water you're drinking and whether you still feel thirsty even after consuming large amounts of fluids.

  3. Unexplained Weight Loss

    • Why it happens: In hyperglycemia, the body might not be able to use glucose for energy efficiently. It may start breaking down muscle and fat for fuel, leading to weight loss even if your food intake remains the same. Additionally, the loss of glucose through urine contributes to calorie loss.
    • Example: Losing a noticeable amount of weight (e.g., 5-10 pounds) without making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.
    • Action: Keep track of your weight. Consult a doctor if you notice unexplained weight loss.

  4. Increased Hunger (Polyphagia)

    • Why it happens: Even with high blood sugar, cells may not be getting the glucose they need for energy. This can trigger a constant feeling of hunger as the body tries to obtain more fuel.
    • Example: Feeling hungry shortly after eating a full meal or experiencing cravings that are difficult to satisfy.
    • Action: Notice whether you're feeling unusually hungry and if so, consider discussing this with a healthcare provider.

  5. Blurred Vision

    • Why it happens: High blood sugar can cause fluid to be drawn from the tissues, including the lenses of the eyes. This can affect your ability to focus, leading to blurred vision.
    • Example: Difficulty reading street signs or focusing on a computer screen, or noticing that your vision fluctuates throughout the day.
    • Action: If you experience sudden or persistent blurred vision, see an eye doctor for a comprehensive exam.

  6. Related reading: How Sleep And Stress Secretly Affect Your Blood Sugar Levels

    Fatigue and Weakness

    • Why it happens: When glucose can’t be used efficiently for energy, cells become starved, leading to feelings of fatigue and weakness.
    • Example: Feeling constantly tired, even after getting enough sleep, or struggling to perform everyday tasks due to lack of energy.
    • Action: Evaluate your energy levels and report any significant changes to your doctor.

  7. Slow-Healing Sores or Cuts

    • Why it happens: High blood sugar can impair blood flow and nerve function, hindering the body's natural healing processes.
    • Example: Noticing that cuts, scrapes, or bruises take significantly longer to heal than usual.
    • Action: Pay attention to how quickly wounds heal and seek medical attention if they are slow to close or show signs of infection.

  8. Dry, Itchy Skin

    • Why it happens: Dehydration caused by frequent urination can lead to dry, itchy skin. Additionally, poor circulation due to high blood sugar can exacerbate skin problems.
    • Example: Experiencing persistent itching, flaking, or cracking of the skin, especially on the lower legs and feet.
    • Action: Use moisturizers regularly and consult a dermatologist if the problem persists.

  9. Frequent Infections

    • Why it happens: High blood sugar can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.
    • Example: Experiencing frequent yeast infections, urinary tract infections, or skin infections.
    • Action: If you find yourself battling frequent infections, it may be time to evaluate your blood sugar levels with a doctor.

Practical Steps to Take if You Suspect Hyperglycemia

If you recognize several of the above symptoms, here are the steps you should take:

  1. Check Your Blood Sugar: If you have a glucose meter at home, check your blood sugar level. Record the reading along with the time and any relevant details (e.g., time since last meal, activity level).
  2. Contact Your Healthcare Provider: Make an appointment to discuss your symptoms and blood sugar readings. Your doctor may recommend further testing, such as a fasting plasma glucose test or an A1C test, to confirm the diagnosis.
  3. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your kidneys flush out excess glucose and prevent dehydration.
  4. Adjust Your Diet (if applicable): If you know you are prone to hyperglycemia, avoid sugary drinks and refined carbohydrates. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods and manage portion sizes.
  5. Exercise (if applicable): Physical activity can help lower blood sugar levels, but avoid strenuous exercise if your blood sugar is very high or if you have ketones in your urine (a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program.
  6. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a journal of your symptoms and blood sugar readings to help your doctor assess your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Important Note:

  • If you experience severe symptoms such as confusion, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or loss of consciousness, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a serious complication like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS), which require emergency treatment.

Differentiating Hyperglycemia from Other Conditions

It’s important to note that some of the symptoms of hyperglycemia can also be associated with other medical conditions. For instance, fatigue, increased thirst, and frequent urination can also be signs of dehydration, urinary tract infections, or kidney problems. Weight loss could be related to thyroid disorders or certain cancers.

To accurately diagnose hyperglycemia, a blood test is essential. A healthcare provider can perform the necessary tests and evaluate your overall health to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Here's a quick comparative table to help differentiate:

| Symptom | Hyperglycemia | Dehydration | UTI | |--------------------|---------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Frequent Urination | Yes | Maybe (body trying to conserve fluids) | Yes, often with urgency and burning sensation | | Increased Thirst | Yes | Yes | Maybe | | Fatigue | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Blurred Vision | Yes | Rare | No | | Weight Loss | Possible | No | No | | Other Symptoms | Slow-healing sores, dry skin, infections | Dizziness, headache | Pelvic pain, cloudy urine | | Diagnostic Test | Blood glucose test, A1C test | Physical exam, urine test (for dehydration) | Urine culture |

Preventing High Blood Sugar

For individuals with diabetes or those at risk, the following preventive measures can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels:

  1. Follow a Healthy Diet:

    • Focus on complex carbohydrates: Choose whole grains, vegetables, and fruits over refined carbohydrates like white bread and sugary cereals.
    • Limit sugary foods and drinks: Avoid sodas, juices, and processed snacks that can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar.
    • Eat regular, balanced meals: Consistent meal timing helps regulate blood sugar levels.
    • Monitor portion sizes: Overeating can lead to elevated blood sugar, even with healthy foods.

    • Engage in Regular Physical Activity:

    • Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week: Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels.

    • Incorporate both aerobic and strength training exercises: Aerobic exercises like walking, jogging, or swimming can lower blood sugar, while strength training can increase muscle mass and improve insulin sensitivity.

    • Monitor Blood Sugar Levels Regularly:

    • Check your blood sugar as directed by your healthcare provider: Regular monitoring helps you understand how your body responds to food, exercise, and medication.

      Related reading: The Top 7 Questions About Glucose Levels Answered By An Expert

    • Keep a log of your blood sugar readings: This can help you and your healthcare provider identify patterns and make adjustments to your treatment plan.

    • Take Medications as Prescribed:

    • Follow your doctor's instructions for taking diabetes medications: Don't skip doses or change the dosage without consulting your healthcare provider.

    • Be aware of potential side effects: Some diabetes medications can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Know the symptoms of hypoglycemia and how to treat it.

    • Manage Stress:

    • Practice relaxation techniques: Stress can raise blood sugar levels. Incorporate stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises into your routine.

    • Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can also affect blood sugar control. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.

    • Stay Hydrated:

    • Drink plenty of water throughout the day: Water helps keep your blood sugar levels in check and prevents dehydration.

By being proactive and attentive to your body, you can recognize the warning signs of high blood sugar early and take steps to prevent or manage hyperglycemia effectively, reducing your risk of long-term health complications. If you have concerns about your blood sugar levels, consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment options.